The Below Deck Franchise should expand (I think it hasn’t expanded for this reason)

The Below decks The OG show and its spinoffs have been wildly popular in the reality TV world, but it has reason to slow down expansion. I have been a Below decks fan for many years and have been able to enjoy the old seasons and watch the new ones as they come out. The franchise has come a long way in the past 11 years it’s been on TV, with many memorable captains and crew members passing through. The format and editing of the program is down, and the number of viewers or engagement of the program has not slowed down.

At the moment, fans have been watching Below deck, the Mediterranean Sea season 9 led by Captain Sandy Yawn. In Below decks season 11, which ended at the end of May 2024, viewers saw the former Adventure below deck the captain, Captain Kerry Titheradge, filled the position held by notable Bravolebrity captain Lee Rosbach after he left the franchise due to health reasons. The show has also been helped by top Chief Stews such as Aesha Scott, Daisy Kelliher and Fraser Olender. With the franchise being so successful, I wonder why the series hasn’t expanded further, but there seems to be a reason.

Below Deck has five shows

Four are still shown regularly

Below decks season 1 premiered in July 2013 and has 11 seasons to watch, with season 12 rumored to have already been filmed with Fraser Olender and Captain Kerry. Deck Med premiered in May 2016 and has nine seasons. Sailboat below deck premiered in February 2020 and has four seasons, with a fifth season likely on the way. Below decks premieres in March 2022 and includes two seasons. It was presented almost simultaneously Adventure below deck season 1, which began in November 2022 and aired for only one season.

The Below decks the franchise has typically kept to its broadcast schedule, picking up steam in 2024. After Below decks season 11, Sailboat below deck season 5 should have premiered, especially given that filming for the season was likely done in August 2023, as it had been in years past. However, Deck Med season 9 premiered on the spot, even though season 8 didn’t end until the end of January 2024.

There is currently no information on when BDSY season 5 airs, but Gary has mentioned that he is determined to continue with the show despite the controversy.

What happened to Below Deck Adventure?

It was the only cold weather below deck

Bravo‘s Adventure below deck was a highly anticipated addition to the franchise and was the series’ first cold weather adaptation. I think it offered compelling drama, with several dramatic crew dynamics and boating that will keep fans entertained. It was Captain Kerry’s debut in the franchise, and the series received generally positive reviews, but has not returned since Season 1. I think the show is currently on hiatus as it hasn’t been officially cancelled. I have a feeling Bravo will bring the show back when the timing is right on the network schedule.

What are the expansion possibilities for Below Deck?

What other spinoffs could be under the hood?

The earth has many corners Below decks the kingdom is still unexplored. Below decks season 7 was the only season set in Southeast Asia, specifically Thailand, so that’s an area worth exploring more. I’ve noticed that many of the yachts are also from South Africa, so a sailing scene there or elsewhere in Africa may touch on parts that have yet to be seen. Another cold weather adaptation could occur in Alaska or even Greenland.

Many reality TV shows are heading towards inclusiveness like shows Ultimatum: Queer LoveIt has an LGBTQ+ casting space.

It would open up the franchise to a wider audience and demonstrate the show’s ability to expand in a positive way.

I think the Below decks the franchise could use an all-star spinoff Featuring popular Actors from the entire franchise area. With egos at play, some of them stepping down, and big personalities fighting between departments, a spinoff like this could become wildly popular. With only a few cast members returning each season, a mixed and recognizable crew can be a lot of fun in an all-star spinoff.

Why hasn’t Below Deck made more spinoffs?

There are clues to the answer

With the controversy surrounding Gary King and how BDSY With Gary it receives Below decks Folks, I believe the network is delaying expansion until the issues calm down or are resolved. In addition, the franchise is likely trying not to spread itself too thin, where so much time, money and logistics go into each season. However, Below decks is a powerful show that could add spinoffs.

90 day fiance is a good example of how Below decks could expand. The 90 day fiance the network currently has six main programs and two other titles that air as scheduled. The 90 day fiance network has kept viewers interested in its format for years, and ever since viewers have Below decks is largely the same, expansion would not be a far-fetched idea.

Getting enough captains who want to do their job on the global stage can also be a barrier to franchise expansion. However, there are many past ones Below decks deckhands now holding a captain’s license. Former detectives like João Franco understand the show and want to step up to the plate.

The Below decks the franchise is also very good at keeping things under wraps, so I don’t think fans will hear about the upcoming spinoff until it’s almost here. I think the network should be expanded, but the logistics behind the scenes seem to be what’s stopping propulsion.

Below deck, the Mediterranean Sea airs Mondays at 9:00 PM EDT on Bravo.

Source: Bravo/YouTube